Final answer:
Electric lighting, along with communication improvements and intracity transportation, paved the way for the growth of cities and the new economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The new technology that paved the way for the growth of cities and the new economy was electric lighting. The invention of electric lighting allowed cities to have better sources of light and energy, which was crucial for industrial production and urban development. It also made cities safer and more attractive for businesses and residents.
Additionally, there were other technological and economic factors that contributed to the growth of cities during this time period. Communication improvements, such as the telephone, played a significant role in connecting businesses and facilitating faster and more efficient communication. Intracity transportation, like the development of elevated railroads, made it easier for people to travel within cities and access job opportunities and amenities.
Overall, electric lighting, along with communication improvements and intracity transportation, were crucial technologies that enabled the growth of cities and the new economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.